Did John Calvin Teach Christian Perfection (or Entire Sanctification)?
The Reformed tradition in general, and Calvinists in particular, are known for their criticism of the Wesleyan-Methodist understanding of Christian perfection. Classical Wesleyans are committed to the language, of course, because it’s comes from the Bible; for example, “whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected” (1 John 2:4 ESV: cf. Matthew 5:48). Wesley desired to be “a man of one book.” Consequently, he endeavored to take seriously the way scripture uses the language of perfection. See Wesley’s A Plain Account of Christian Perfection. Wesley’s doctrine of Christian perfection (or entire sanctification) has since become the object of criticism from the traditions that trace their roots to Geneva reformer John Calvin. You can imagine my surprise, then, when I discovered that Calvin himself was willing to employ the language of perfection in relation to the Christian life. Consider Calvin in his own words. Continue Reading……..